FORT SMITH (AP) — Fort Smith’s heritage as a major settlement on the Western frontier is getting broader exposure in the form of its designation as the “Top True Western Town” for 2013.

The recognition by True West magazine, a publication with a 60-year reputation in its mission of preserving the American frontier, was announced Wednesday by Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau. The announcement was made before about 60 people crowded into the meeting room of Miss Laura’s, the historic riverfront building and former bordello that houses the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This marks the eighth year that True West has presented the award. Determination is based upon criteria demonstrating how a town has preserved its history and commitment to preserving its Old West heritage through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events and promotions of historic resources.

An article focusing on Fort Smith will appear in the February issue of True West, which should be on newsstands Jan. 1. Included in the article are photos of Civil War re-enactors firing cannons at the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the recently installed downtown statue as a tribute to Bass Reeves, a celebrated deputy marshal in the service of Judge Isaac Parker.

Legris said a team of community members familiar with Fort Smith history and its preservation worked with the CVB staff in researching and preparing the 12-page entry form submitted to contest judges. Fort Smith competed for the award last year, an effort that earned judges’ observation that Fort Smith is “a town to watch.”

Legris said accolades for the accomplishment belong to the hundreds from the community who have made recognition of heritage a priority in Fort Smith. He cited a brief history of the efforts, extending from the efforts of former CVB President Dee Carroll and the encouragement of Polly Crews, a longtime champion of Fort Smith history and tourism. Legris said Crews “told us for years our future was in our past. As usual, Miss Polly was right.”

He also recognized work by organizations and individuals who have worked through the years to enhance the city’s Western heritage.

Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders said the “outstanding recognition” of the city by True West will communicate to a wider audience “all the exciting things Fort Smith has to offer.” He also noted the cooperative effort in preparing the applications exemplifies the community spirit at work in the city.